Luka Dončić has officially committed to the Los Angeles Lakers following a significant trade from the Dallas Mavericks last season. On Saturday, Dončić signed a three-year contract worth $165 million, as confirmed by his agent, Bill Duffy, to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Upon completing his contract signing and addressing reporters during a press conference, Dončić promptly returned to the gym. Although Dončić was eligible for a four-year extension worth $229 million this offseason, delaying his decision until the upcoming summer could have increased his eligibility for a five-year deal valued at $296 million. Despite the potential for a larger contract, the Lakers reportedly faced some uncertainty regarding Dončić’s commitment, as highlighted by ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Yet, there were positive signs of his intentions when he contributed to recruiting several players to Los Angeles in July.

The trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers in February was one of the largest in league history, involving Anthony Davis. As a previous franchise centerpiece who led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in the previous year, Dončić’s reputation is well-established. While his new contract is substantial, it does not compare to the super-max extension he would have been eligible for with the Mavericks, which could have reached $345 million over five years. Dončić, who averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game during the 2024-25 season across both teams, helped spur the Lakers to earn the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Nevertheless, the team did not meet the high expectations set for them, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games during the first round. Although it was seen as a disappointing outcome considering Dončić’s elite talent and his partnership with LeBron James, it became apparent that the roster was better suited to accommodate a dominant big man like Davis rather than a star point guard. The Lakers have since adjusted their roster to better align with Dončić's play style, positioning them for a potential championship run this season. While he may not have received the super-max extension from Dallas, Dončić now plays for a franchise willing to invest heavily, which may lead to a more lucrative contract in the future. His current objective remains clear: to secure the Lakers' 18th championship.